Elon Poll: Two-thirds of Americans fear a constitutional crisis between the Trump administration and the courts

A new national poll conducted by Elon University reveals significant public concern about the balance of power between the executive branch and the courts, with 67% of Americans expressing concern about a potential constitutional crisis arising from conflicts between the branches. 

The poll, which surveyed 1,000 American adults nationwide April 10-17, 2025, explored public opinions about the U.S. judicial system and the growing conflict between the Trump administration's use of executive orders and judicial rulings that delay or block those actions. 

By April 22, the non-partisan law and policy journal, Just Security, had documented 206 legal challenges against Trump administration actions, and a tracking effort by the New York Times found that at least 98 judicial rulings had at least temporarily paused some of the administration’s efforts. 

Trump approval and executive orders 

Three months into his presidency, Donald Trump’s approval rating is declining, with 41% approving of his job performance and 47% disapproving. That compares with a 45% approval-41% disapproval rating in the February 2025 Elon University Poll. 

Public opinion is split on his executive actions: